You can't predict the future, but probability will help you get close!
Probability is all around us. The term refers to the likelihood or frequency with which something will happen. When we talk about the odds that a certain team will win the Super Bowl, or the chances that it will snow, or the chance of winning the lottery, we are also talking about probability.
Many different jobs require people to understand probability. In order to let us know whether it will be rainy, sunny, or windy, weather forecasters spend a lot of time analyzing data, then use probability to make predictions. During the recent presidential election, political analysts used data and statistics to predict how each state would vote, and were able to use probability to try to determine who would be elected president. Statisticians compile and organize statistics about sports to make predictions about how teams will do during tournaments. Jobs such as these, as well as in the fields of economics, business, biology, genetics development and technology require an understanding of probability.
You have probably come across many instances in your own life when understanding probability could have worked to your advantage. If you know how probability works, you can increase your chances of winning at cards, predicting how your favorite team will do in a game, or how well you will do on your next math test!
This unit will use fun, hands-on materials such as cards, coins, number cubes, spinners, and unifix cubes to help you learn how to make predictions and calculations related to probability. You will have opportunities to work with partners, in groups, and with family members to practice new skills. The goal of this unit is to show you that not everything is determined by chance or luck, and that learning about probability will help develop your problem-solving and reasoning skills so that you can make better decisions throughout your life.
Why learn this stuff?
You can't predict the future, but probability will help you get close!
Probability is all around us. The term refers to the likelihood or frequency with which something will happen. When we talk about the odds that a certain team will win the Super Bowl, or the chances that it will snow, or the chance of winning the lottery, we are also talking about probability.
Many different jobs require people to understand probability. In order to let us know whether it will be rainy, sunny, or windy, weather forecasters spend a lot of time analyzing data, then use probability to make predictions. During the recent presidential election, political analysts used data and statistics to predict how each state would vote, and were able to use probability to try to determine who would be elected president. Statisticians compile and organize statistics about sports to make predictions about how teams will do during tournaments. Jobs such as these, as well as in the fields of economics, business, biology, genetics development and technology require an understanding of probability.
You have probably come across many instances in your own life when understanding probability could have worked to your advantage. If you know how probability works, you can increase your chances of winning at cards, predicting how your favorite team will do in a game, or how well you will do on your next math test!
This unit will use fun, hands-on materials such as cards, coins, number cubes, spinners, and unifix cubes to help you learn how to make predictions and calculations related to probability. You will have opportunities to work with partners, in groups, and with family members to practice new skills. The goal of this unit is to show you that not everything is determined by chance or luck, and that learning about probability will help develop your problem-solving and reasoning skills so that you can make better decisions throughout your life.
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